How They Met: Smolowitzes met thanks to blind date with other people

Marci Isacson refused to date Charles Smolowitz. Smolowitz was supposed to be her blind date 44 years ago when Marci and her best friend were going out with some boys from Brooklyn.

But this was during the Vietnam era. Marci had recently broken up with someone in the Army and didn't want to get attached to someone in the military. Smolowitz was in the Navy.

Instead, Marci was fixed up with his best friend. She ended up dating the man for a year, after which they broke up, but remained friends.

In the meantime, Smolowitz had been sent overseas. Marci felt bad for his situation and had been writing to him as a friend. When he returned to the United States after a year and a half, Marci and her ex-boyfriend drove to Fort Dix, N.J., together to pick up Smolowitz, known as Chuck.

Marci agreed to a date with him this time. During the date, he asked her to marry him. Marci's answer was based on the fact that Smolowitz had had a couple of drinks. "Call me when you're sober," she told him.

He did. Chuck called her the next day and told her the question remained the same. Marci said yes. She had a hard time putting into words why she accepted the proposal at the time. "I don't know. There was something about him that just really appealed to me."

One thing Marci insisted on was having their wedding after Chuck got out of the service. Chuck was stationed in Washington, D.C., and Marci had an apartment in New York City. He drove up on weekends to visit her.

After two years, Chuck got out of the service. In the meantime, Marci had moved home with her parents on Long Island to save money. Marci and Chuck were married March 8, 1970, in Great Neck, N.Y.

They lived in an apartment in Brooklyn for two years before moving to Ridgefield. During their 31 years in Ridgefield, the Smolowitzes raised their two children, Stacy and David. Chuck had his own business as a marketer and Marci worked as a travel agent.

About six years ago, the couple moved to Danbury. Their son David lives in Middletown. Stacy married Bill Daskam and they live in Arizona with their two daughters, Lily and Emma.

The Smolowitzes enjoy traveling together, especially to Jamaica, where they've gone each October for the last 10 years. But while they've been able to visit many places over the years, from Alaska to Europe, these days they most often find themselves heading to Arizona to visit their grandchildren.

Their anniversary celebrations usually include dinner at Jim Barbarie's Restaurant in Danbury.

"We really like it, and the people there are great," Marci said. "We keep it low key."

For their upcoming 40th anniversary, they may consider celebrating with a trip, but they are not yet sure of their plans."It just doesn't feel like 40 years," Marci said. "We still can't believe we're THAT old!"

She's still close with the friend that fixed up the blind date. "I thank her all the time. Mostly," she said with a laugh.

As for what helps a marriage last, Marci said, "Honesty and a huge sense of humor. Huge. It's most important. God knows there's enough sadness and bad stuff. You need unity and humor. Everyone has bad times.

"There's no magic secret. It's important to know each other. We knew each other for so long before we married. And we went into marriage feeling that it's for life. I think sometimes today young people don't feel that way.

"My husband introduces me as his first wife. There will be no second wife!"

If you'd like to be featured in "How They Met," please send an e-mail to cmueller@newstimes.com with a brief outline describing how you met and a daytime phone number where you can be reached.